Shocking Results! New Mono vs Fluoro Line Abrasion Contest
- By: Luke Simonds
- on
It’s line contest time!!
We’ve done abrasion contests before between monofilament and fluorocarbon lines.
But this time I wanted to use the same diameter of lines instead of using the same pound test for the contest.
So in this new (and shocking) line abrasion test, you’ll learn which line wins…by a LANDSLIDE!
Check it out below!
New Mono vs Fluoro Line Abrasion Contest [VIDEO]
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You’ve probably always heard that fluorocarbon is the most abrasion-resistant line.
And we’ve done these tests before and mono shocked us all by outperforming fluoro.
But this time we are taking it one step further and basing this experiment off of equal line diameters!
We’ve rubbed the lines with the same tension (weight) against sandpaper.
The side-to-side motion twists the line and is similar to what happens when a snook or bass shakes their head.
Here are the lines used for the contest:
- Ande Monofilament, 15#, 0.40MM, $0.08/yard
- Berkley Vanish Fluorocarbon, 20#, 0.40MM, $0.24/yard
- Seaguar Fluorocarbon, 20#, 0.405MM, $0.58/yard
Round 1 (Ande Monofilament Vs Berkley Vanish Fluorocarbon)
- Berkley Vanish, 25 passes
- Ande, 32 passes
- Berkley Vanish, 24 passes
- Ande, 30 passes
Round 2 (Ande Monofilament Vs Seaguar Fluorocarbon)
- Seaguar, 15 passes
- Ande, 20 passes
- Seaguar, 14 passes
- Ande, 21 passes
As you can see, the more affordable (and lighter pound test) Ande Monofilament won hands down!
I’ve stopped using fluoro and have not seen my catch rate change at all.
In fact, I have seen an improvement in not losing fish (even around docks).
My next mono versus fluoro contest is a visibility test underwater.
Stay tuned!!
Are there any variables that I missed?
Let me know down in the comments!
And if you know someone who swears by fluorocarbon, please TAG or SHARE this with them!
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Thanks for all the great info. I personally use mono and have not had a single issue but the floridasportsman.com did his abrasion test and swearsthe floro beat mono by a huge margin. Not sure I trust his results but maybe you should check him out.
Interesting and informative test – especially your comment below that you’ve done the same test with wet lines because that directly contradicts what the manufacturers have been saying for years: fluoro does not absorb water, mono does and water absorption compromises the line. Sheesh. I think we need a consumer reports lab for fishing tackle. Glad you guys are taking on this tremendous and sorely needed job!
In my experience, the biggest difference between the two types of line is tensile strength. Fluoro’s is higher than mono, especially (or so I’m told by the line manufacturers) when mono is wet. What this translates to in terms of practical fishing experience is that mono is more likely to fail when your fish is closest to you. Think grabbing your line to gain control of the fish while trying to land it and the fish makes a sudden move, breaking the line. I’m sure we’ve all had that happen, especially on bigger fish. (Did I just hear a collective “groan”? :-))
I think some sort of tensile strength test would be useful, with both wet and dry lines. Something like a drop test with different weights using the same lengths of line and the same knots, etc. In theory, if the manufacturers are to be believed, shorter lengths of mono would fail sooner.
I don’t know that the results would sway me over the price difference but I might consider fluoro over mono in special situations – like a chance encounter with bull reds during the migrations. Or, it might prompt me to use a longer leader when using mono in those situations.
All I know is that the amount of breakoffs I’ve had both near and far away from the boat have significantly decreased once I switched from fluoro to mono… I used fluoro exclusively for 5+ years thinking the exact things you mentioned were true.
But once I started actually running tests I’ve been continually surprised at how the claims don’t seem to hold true (and in many cases are totally wrong).
I’ll start soaking some lines today for a week and will run some tension & abrasion tests on them to see how they perform.
Awesome test and I think I’ll be using mono more often. But, fluorocarbon line is known to be susceptible to heat. An underwater test to keep both lines cool would be another test I’d like to see.
I have done this same test with lines and sand paper that were soaked in water, and the results were the same as dry so I don’t believe the results would change if done underwater.
I recently picked up a spool of Spiderwire stealth… looking forward to giving it a try.
Great video Luke! Great info!
This video just paid for the Salt Strong insider membership on an annual basis! Thank you Luke!
Thanks for making time to leave the nice comment Hal and for your continued support of Salt Strong!
Just got my box of gear I ordered last week… Super fast! I use 20# Vanish almost exclusively – mostly inshore flats & mangroves.
I decided to give the ANDE a try – ordered a 20# and 40# spool. Clearly I could have gone a little lighter from the test.
Hope to get out this weekend and give it a try!
I hope you enjoy the new lines!
Luke,
I’m glad to see that you’ve come to the same conclusion and the reason that I’ve been an Ande Monofilament supporter for leaders. Over 30-years ago I was field-testing for Ande and realized what a quality product they have. Since I first tested what they now call Ande Backcountry (blue in color and a copolymer), I have been a huge fan. I see you’re using the leader spool, which is a larger diameter than a quarter or eighth-pound spool. While the larger diameter spool may have a bit less memory to start, you can reduce the memory on any of the spool sizes simply by stretching the line before use. As to the visibility, I prefer the Backcountry blue line simply because I can’t see it in the water. As with most monofilament lines or copolymers, the pound test ratings are understated. If you want exact line strength, you’ll have to go to IGFA rated lines, such as the Ande Tournament. Also, line strength will vary when wet, therefore IGFA tests lines by dry and wet standards. My guess is that Ande has well over 1,000 world records on their lines for good reasons. Good show, Luke.
Thanks for making time to share the helpful details!
I’ve been saying this for years. I also find that the lil stretch u get with mono. Will help with breaking off around oysters, and pilings..
Why do you think the Mono dropped 10+ swipes compared to the first round? Also what happened to the awesome little % grids you would add in these? Great video, because of your tests I have stopped blowing money on high dollar fluoro.
Good eye Matthew! The difference was due to me wiping off the sand paper after the first test… a lot of line residue was on the dowel from doing a few test runs. So it was eye opening to see how much of a difference it made in the total count (also a good example on why it’s important to test the lines at the same time).
Given the disparity of results based on the amount of residue on the sand paper along with a human propelled dowel, the analysis on these lines can only be done accurately when done on a head-to-head matchup since the lines are getting moved at the exact same acceleration points.
Interestingly enough, air and water temperature can have a bearing on line strength as well as a few other factors that you mentioned, such as wet or dry.
What wins head to head, Vanish or Seaguar?